How to Flutter Kick When Swimming

The flutter kick is an important kick that is used with several different swimming styles, such as the front crawl. The most important point to remember with a flutter kick is that you want to make it as efficient as possible, because if you are kicking too wildly or with improper form, you can actually end up creating more drag than momentum.

Instructions

    • 1

      Begin a front crawl. It may help to use a flotation aid, such as a body board, to help you float so that you can concentrate on perfecting your flutter kick.

    • 2

      Use your hips to begin the kick, and create the up and down motion of the legs.

    • 3

      Think about snapping your leg in the water, with the snap ending in your toes. This is the form you want your flutter kick to take. Your knees and upper legs should move just enough to allow your foot to create that snapping motion.

    • 4

      Try to flex your ankle as much as possible to create the snapping or flicking motion of the flutter kick. A study from the University of Connecticut showed that ankle flexibility is one of the key factors in the power generated by a flutter kick.

    • 5

      Relax your ankle and foot when flutter kicking. This will help you create the proper snapping motion. It will also prevent you from using too much energy kicking when the majority of your energy should be going to your upper body, which typically creates the majority of your momentum.